Rains fill the lakes in Pakkoku region to replenish drinking water

The water levels have risen in the lakes that serve villages in Pakkoku. (photo – Thet Htein Win)

Heavy rains from the second week of June have filled the lakes in Pakkoko region in central Myanmar to provide enough drinking water for residents.

The villages in Pakkoku had experienced shortages of drinking water since March.

“Lakes in our village were hit hard during the dry spell that started in April,” said Nyunt Lwin, of Myauklukan village.

“We had to buy fresh water for drinking and cooking. Then in mid May, the rains started and we got water in our lakes. This year is better than the previous one.”

Buddhist monk Pyin Nyar Zaw Ta Ka, of a water conservation association known as Aryuthukha, said: “Many villages have enough water now. However, we have to donate some resources to those villages needing repairs for water pumps. The rains have come earlier than usual this year.”

However, some villages in northern Myaing Township in Pakkoku are still facing water shortages. They have to rely on wells and the use of water pumps. The fact that houses outnumber the water pumps has made the water shortage worse.